What were you doing on Saturday (May 21) evening?

Those of us fortunate enough to get tickets for the Chilled Music evening held at The Club, Newnham on Severn were being brilliantly entertained by musicians of which the Forest of Dean can be so proud.

There is such wonderful musical talent in our area and youngsters of all ages gave their Saturday evening to support this year's second fundraising event for the Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary.  In so doing they exemplified the reason for the bursary.   As well as their talent the musicians were generous in their support of each other, they were enthused, energetic, and most of all were thoroughly enjoying making music.

A fascinated audience was taken from Glenn Miller (Quintessential Brass) through  Abba (The Forest of Dean Woodwind Ensemble), to 21st century music presented by Rhiannon Symonds  (singer) and Sam Davis (guitar).  The evening ended with more modern music from Andy and Grace (singers, guitar and keyboard), a duo presenting their first set together.  After the music was over I saw them talking to the steward of Newnham Club, so hopefully there will be an opportunity to hear their music again, soon.

The YWMB was established to help support love of music in young people of secondary school age who have displayed a great commitment to music, are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, curious and responsible.  Saturday's concert was an excellent showcase for these attributes.

Applications for this year's bursary are now open and details about the award, the audition concert and all other information is available from the chairman, Fiona Crawley, 2 Crown Cottages, Parkend, Lydney, GL15 4JE. Email fiona.crawley@ yahoo.co.uk  

The committee is excited about the performers we will be hearing in November and encourage all young, committed lovers of music to  put themselves forward for this £400 bursary.

– Ann Kent, secretary, The Brambles, Hyde Lane, Newnham.